GREENSBORO, NC - Pender County Schools earns statewide recognition for outstanding communication
The North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) has honored Pender County Schools for excellence in communications. PCS earned a total of 11 Blue Ribbon Awards for outstanding and effective communication. NCSPRA presented the awards during a special ceremony held in High Point, NC on April 11, 2025.
PCS received five Gold, and six Silver level awards and was also awarded a "Best of the Best" award for "Digital Video Engagement" for being the top recipient in the category for the second time in three years.
“This recognition is a testament to the exceptional work happening every day in Pender County Schools, and I’m incredibly proud of our communications team for earning statewide recognition,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove. “Bob Fankboner’s leadership, creativity, and commitment to telling the story of PCS has elevated our communication efforts and built stronger connections with our families and community. These awards reflect the passion and professionalism he brings to our district.”
Valerie Newton, NCSPRA President and Director of Communication and Family Engagement for Sampson County Schools, said the work of the award winners exemplifies the high standards of the North Carolina School Public Relations Association and the outstanding work of its members. “We are extremely proud of the work being done by NCSPRA members across the state, and the Blue Ribbon Award winners have demonstrated excellence in all facets of communication. Their expertise and professionalism in the field of communication highlight the superior work being done by North Carolina public schools, and their accomplishments deserve recognition. I congratulate all of our winners for the outstanding work they do to support students and teachers and promote public education.”
NCSPRA recognizes outstanding communications through its Blue Ribbon Awards program each year. Pender County Schools was one of 35 school districts statewide to receive a Blue Ribbon Award. This year’s submission categories included: Marketing, Digital Media Engagement, Electronic Media, Excellence in Writing, Publications, Image/Graphic Design, Photography, and Special Projects and Events. The Georgia School Public Relations Association judged NCSPRA’s 2024 Blue Ribbon entries.
In addition to the Blue Ribbon Awards and Best of the Best Awards, NCSPRA presented its School Communicator of the Year award to Tahira Stalberte, APR of Union County Public Schools.
The School Communicator of the Year award recognizes one NCSPRA member each year for excellence in the field of school communications. Candidates are nominated by NCSPRA members and are evaluated based on outstanding performance in the areas of Leadership, Communication, Professionalism, and Community Involvement.
Tahira Stalberte, APR of Union County Public Schools was honored for her exceptional commitment to strategic communication and for advancing the field of school PR. She has led numerous successful school bond campaigns for Union County Public Schools (UCPS), including passing a $39.4 million bond package in the fall of 2024. She is a tireless champion for family and community engagement and has hired a dedicated family engagement specialist for Union County Public Schools. Because of her leadership and advocacy, UCPS now has a Parent Engagement Liaison located in every Title I school in the district. The liaisons connect families with resources, provide workshops for families, and help increase participation in school activities.
Tahira Stalberte has earned accreditation in the field of public relations from the Public Relations Society of America. The APR designation is the highest certification offered in the field of public relations. It is the equivalent of earning a CPA in accounting or National Board Certification for teachers. Because of her commitment to excellence, she serves as a mentor for the National School Public Relations Association to help other school PR practitioners from around the country earn their APR certification.
Tahira Stalberte, APR will now be considered for the National School Communicator of the Year Award, which will be presented by the National School Public Relations Association during its national seminar in Washington, D.C. in July.
NCSPRA is a statewide professional organization serving more than 190 members. Its mission is to build support for public education through well-planned and responsible public relations. For more information, please visit ncspra.org.
